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AT JUST 2 MILES from Bergstrom airport and 3 FROM CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS, the Penny River cabin built in 2014 is located in the absolutely perfect location -- total peace and quiet if you want it , a short, paved, country road drive to 2 main highways and 3 main arteries that feed directly into north, central or south Austin. The ideal arrangement here is for 3 adults and 2 children (up to 8-10 years old). This settles mom and dad in a master bedroom on a beautiful new Tuft N Needle King Size bed and their own private bathroom, one adult child in a guest/study on a Murphy single (also brand new Serta, very comfy) and 2 kids on separate leather sofas in the living room. There are 2 single air mattresses that you can put down in the living room instead -- but -- if you choose air mattresses over the sofas please give us at least 48-hours notice to get them ready for you.

As a bonus you'll also celebrate not having to purchase either Property Damage Insurance or Renters Insurance. It's paid FOR you, giving you an average $150 savings up front to spend on yourself.

THEN KICK BACK

in one of our 3 comfy chaise lounges on the back lawn overloooking the beautiful Colorado and take in the view. Moms, pops, kids, seniors, friends, all are welcome, even *Parties, but please advise at the time of the booking the number of guests you will invite and the expected duration of the party! A huge plus at Penny River is that your cabin is basically 100% private; that is, the owner lives on the property in a unit that is gated and fenced separately from your cabin. The owner has to access the cabin driveway to get to his car but the cabin property is not accessed except during welcoming/departing and, of course, some unexpected emergency requiring maintenance or general attention.

Nights here are truly special. A large 115' x 30' back yard of plush St Augustine grass opens to a huge night sky above like you probably haven't seen in years. Enjoy the full moon and a million stars overhead, BBQ on the patio and handle a full party of guests (up to 25 total, which includes yourselves) on the deck. A very cool sliding glass kitchen window allows through-food-service to the deck for convenient serving and clean up. A screened Garden Room with overhead hanging baskets and 2 cushy high chairs await you for morning coffee. A Bose radio too.

We can't over-emphasize the 9 glorious miles Penny River is from downtown and the downtown noise, bustle and pollution, but if you must go into town you are mere blocks from 2 major highways to get you there and 1 of the 3 major arteries into Austin from the east side. Or maybe stay close and just visit one of several beautiful hicking trails in the immediate area.

Or if you're just needing a real rest, fill your pipe with your favorite tobacco, your glass with your favorite wine and drift away in the quiet and peace of Penny River. Grab one of 3 available chaise lounges hanging on the fence near the palms and enjoy the occasional canoe, kyack or fishing party as they drift by.

INSIDE THE CABIN:

Two large leather sofas in the living room (not sofa beds) are large enough to accommodate 2 smaller kids; you're welcome to throw down sleeping bags or air mattresses in addition if more space is needed. We can supply 2 single air mattresses with 2 day's advanced notice.

There's a Mexican cantera patio too with a solid Teak table and 4 matching chairs. A loft in the barn/garage nearby has tents and extra tables if you're wanting to host a dinner or small party.

If you do decide to explore downtown Austin don't miss beautiful Zilker Park, which abuts an amazing botanical garden. There are hiking trails in every direction, ask anyone.

Finally, Penny River is secured by a gated and locked entrance and further secured by a privacy fence on all sides except the River, of course. 2 cars can easily park inside the confines but it is possible to squeeze as many as 4 into the drive if required.

We are subject to scheduled and sometimes unscheduled maintenance (lawn mowing, a plumbing problem, an electric brownout or blackout from a storm, etc.) but we will always advise you with as much advanced notice of impending maintenance before coming into your general area, unless we can't reach you, in which case we'll attend the need unannounced. Unscheduled maintenance emergencies may not allow much advanced notice and possibly none. Thank you for understanding.

Bedrooms

2 Bedrooms

Sleeps 5

Property Manager

Jim Lacey

Member Since 2018

Speaks

english, spanish

Calendar last updated:

13 Dec 2018

About Jim Lacey

A native Texan of Laredo, Tx, and a Vietnam War Era vet, I am a pianist, guitarist, composer, artist and inventor now retired. Always anxious to meet new folks and hear their stories but I understand many guests are here for privacy and seeing the sights, not visiting with the owner. Ask to visit if you like but no harm no foul if you don't.. =)

Jim Lacey purchased this Cabin in 2014

Why Jim Lacey chose Austin

I found this amazing untouched lot on the Colorado in 2012 and could hardly believe it was available. Surely someone should have been grabbed it way before then if for no other reason than as an investment. Once cleaned up and decked out with its wonderful river view 42 feet above the Colorado, numerous parties came calling wanting to buy it. Thanks but no thanks! I wondered how so many knew about it? It was kyyakers and similar fishermen and other folks travelling up and down the river who were spotting it! Being on south-east side of Austin it has the huge benefit of catching the prevaling south-easterly wind, so there is virtually no smog or pollution to contend with. My favorite plus out here? The huge open night sky full of stars and the moon. You won't forget Penny River.

What makes this Cabin unique

The incredible quiet.
The peacefulness.
The super clean air.
Watching the pelicans and ducks and others "fish" in huge numbers and knowing that the opposite bank is in the flood plain (at 25 feet vs 42 feet on this side), the far side can never be built on, meaning my view will always feature the river, the trees, the wildlife, the quiet and the peace...
Within very short drives in almost any direction there are numerous
walking trails to be had in our area. In fact, Austin boats one of the highest Walk Scores in the nation. The trails are extremely well maintained and marked, identifying length of walk to be expected and often including terrific photos of the wildlife you'll encounter. Histories, mating practices, eating habits and evolution are usually revealed.
Many trails are free to walk; those charged are very inexpensive.
Still others ask for a small donation to help maintain the trails.
Early spring and fall along these trails can be exceptionally gratifying but the State and City upkeep of them makes a special treat no matter what time of year you choose to visit Austin.

Facilities

Washer & Dryer

Satellite or Cable

TV

Children Welcome

Internet

Air Conditioning

Parking

Heater

Bathrooms

2 Bathrooms

Bathroom 1

toilet, shower, No tub but one available in the guest bathroom if preferred

Bathroom 2

toilet, shower

As a convenience to seniors and the handicapped, both toilets feature grab-bars to assist sitting and standing. Showers feature non-slip matts and both feature built-in grab-bars for safety. Towels are provided for your convenience.

Location Type

Downtown

The only thing you can do in The Big Apple that you can't do in Austin is be snow-bound in your home for 2 weeks. Austin really is weird, wonderfully weird. Come help keep it that way.

Near The Ocean

Austin is 2 hours from Houston and 3+ hours from Corpus Christi. To most Texans that's reasonable. Then again, an old postcard reminds "The sun has riz, the sun has set, & here we iz in Texas yet"=)

Rural

Water View

Who isn't moved by the sight of water whether it's a lake, the ocean, the sea, a river or just a brook? At night under the stars, add the sound of crickets, katydids, frogs and blinks of fireflies.

Meals

Guests provide their own meals

General

Internet

Available, wireless, captures signal to 600 feet distance.

Air Conditioning

Central furnace for ac/heating

Linens Provided

Yes, provided.

Washing Machine

Top of the line LG Washer and Dryer with huge commercial-size tubs.

Clothes Dryer

Top of the line LG Washer and Dryer with extra large tubs.

Parking

GATED parking. 2 cars can easily fit. During reunions we have accommodated as many as 5 automobiles. These days you can't say enough about off-the-street parking, especially gated/off-the-street.

Heating

Central furnace for ac/heating

Towels Provided

Yes, Provided

Wood Stove

Outside "man fire" can be filled with firewood for sitting around on chilly evenings and telling your best fish stories....

8 Reviews

If I could give more than 5-stars I would! Jim was super hospitable, he made us feel welcome the moment we stepped onto the property. Jim went above and beyond during our stay and he made sure we had everything we needed. Clean, spacious and with all the amenities you need. Very convenient too, just minutes away from the airport!

Thank you Jim for making our stay such a pleasant one, we will be staying here again next time we’re in Austin! Take care and speak soon. Matt & John

Submitted 23 Oct 2018

Owner's Response:

Jon and Matt,

I've been so lucky to have not just special Travellers but exceptional Travellers like yourselves. I was so happy to meet two terrific Brits like yourselves, reminding me after so many years -- too many -- of my most special days ever when I was living in London writing tunes with Jeff Ryan for the likes of Dusty and Cleo and Georgie Fame. What a time that was!

The indelible impression of classiness and straight-forwardness was resurrected with your visit, what great good ambassadors you are.

Thanks for the dinners you included me in and please come again next year (and the next and the next and the next).

Cheers,

Jim

Beautiful Cabin with great lake view

5/5

Stayed Oct 2018

Raquel M.Dallas

Loved this cabin!

Jim, the owner, was there to greet us upon arrival. He walked us through the cabin and showed us all the cool features, including a grill in the backyard and several outdoor sitting areas with a fountain.

The cabin was very clean and the neighborhood is very quiet, so it's perfect for a relaxing getaway. We took an Uber to ACL, and it was a 20 minute ride, so not far at all. Will definitely return to this gem!

Thanks Jim for being such a great host!

Todd & Raquel

Submitted 18 Oct 2018

Owner's Response:

Hi Raquel and thank you for being such respectful guests. The last thing I expected was to find everything you used in the washer; what thoughtfulness. Thanks for making special mention about the cleanliness of the place. We work really hard at making that #1.

See you next year!

Jim

The place needed a good cleaning

2/5

Stayed Sep 2018

OFELIA C.

It was very dirty. I had to wash the bathroom mats and wash the shower because it was so dirty. The kitchen sink was clogged and it took a while for the water to drain living a bad smell. The refrigerator was very dirty. I can’t recommend this property. We stayed because we had plan a family event and it was too late to cancel

Submitted 1 Oct 2018

Owner's Response:

There is really no way to defend one’s home when it contradicts a Review offered by a Homeaway Traveller. Thankfully, guests before the current Traveller have not only rated Penny River as 5-Star but have voluntarily chosen to speak to its exceptional cleanliness. It's uncomfortable to have to post this defensive response. I trust the reader will understand why that has become necessary.

I can only presume that what happened is that this Traveller failed to consider what University students can do to a home and in very short order, for example the backed-up sink. Who knows what a college kid is likely to flush down a toilet?

The group was quiet and respectful, I have said so because it is true and fair. But the Travellers now seem to be hiding behind a 2-Star review as a distraction for damages that occured after they & their college bunch got done with the cabin.

To begin with they misled us in booking the Cabin, stating it was for use by 2 individuals then conveniently forgetting the University-aged individuals they planned to invite. Some 5-6 carloads of their guests showed up at the property and completely filled the drive after dark, a dangerous situation since perhaps not one car might have been able to get out through the electronic gate had there been some emergency. It is why we ask guests up front to please tell us about their visit and intended plans for using the Cabin.

I too could list petty things, 2 towels and washcloths that should have been used instead of the 6 sets that were; a broken kitchen drawer, cracked sprinkler head in the drive and a backed up sink that occurred after a college kids' party. But for me these are honest, expected accidents, covered.

Bathrooms that had been scrubbed down with Clorox on the same day as their arrival were therefore mysteriously pronounced “filthy”. An individual at their beck and call (me) residing in the immediate vicinity who might have been informed of any such problems was not – despite 4 separate checks with the Travellers during which they assured me everything was in perfect order.

I believe Homeaway’s turn-the-other-cheek response to a bad review is certainly the wiser advice, but it fails to consider the Host’s many hours of cleaning and preparation for guests. Worse, it suggests one is wiser to plead guilty to unfounded charges. I cannot apologize for a list of untruths, sorry. I trust my other Reviews ---all of them 5 star --- to speak for themselves

Great Location close to the Airport and COTA, with a very hospitable Owner

5/5

Stayed Sep 2018

Mike G.

This spot is a great location, very close the airport and Circuit of the Americas racetrack ("COTA"). The surrounding neighborhood is a bit sketchy, but the property is enclosed by an iron gate that is remote controlled with an opener. Jim, the owner, provides you with keys to the property and two openers for the gate. The home is exactly how the pictures show it, very nice and clean. Jim could not have been more accommodating, he even gave my friend Pat a ride to the airport, which was above and beyond! I would definitely recommend this place to others. Also, the backyard porch is amazing, we unfortunately did not get to spend time out there due to heavy rains, but it's as beautiful as the pictures show, with plants and the river right in the backyard, with the porch providing an elevated view.

Submitted 20 Sep 2018

Owner's Response:

The Greco Party was exceptional, extremely polite and respectful of the premises. They left everything in perfect order and I wouldn't hesitate to have them back as often as possible.

The neighborhood abutting my property is accurately described by Mike as a bit "sketchy". The older manufactured homes that comprise the majority of homes in this area have been able to grandfather in numerous practices newer neighborhoods would not stand for; however, enormous new contruction, to include a 250-unit condo on the Colorado River just 2 blocks away, have seen several of the owners of these manufactured homes sell out to hungry investors eager to replace the old with the new. Additionally, the City has just approved a 15 acre park along the River that will have hiking/jogging trails, slips for canoes and kyaks, family awnings to BBQ, basketball courts and etc. You'll be able to recognize the area another year or even two, but not much beyond that. And as Mike graciously points out, once your inside the gated property that is Penny River you'll forget the fact that you have to drive through an older manufactured home park to get here. In the 5 years we've been setttled here we've had zero incidents. Not one. We are extremely well patrolled and there is an unusual general absence of teens in the area. Most of our folks out here are hold-over sons and daughters of farmers and ranchers who once farmed and ranched the area. Fortunately, they are content to sit on the porches for a few hours at dusk in the antique rocking chairs and rock away! =) Thanks for your great Review Mike! Looking forward to having your group again next year.

Great Place! Comfy and Cozy

5/5

Stayed Aug 2018

Shilah J.Carlsbad, NM

The property and house are amazing. The house is very cozy and very clean. We did not utilize the outside as much as we would have liked to, but the deck is gorgeous and looks out to the river which is really awesome. I definitely recommend this place if you are planning a trip to Austin.

Submitted 4 Sep 2018

Owner's Response:

Hi Shilah and Steve....you guys were equally terrific guests, quiet, lots of fun and treated the home with respect. Everything was left in order, neat and tidy, much appreciated. Here's hoping we'll have you back sometime next year!

Jim

Wonderful stay!

5/5

Stayed Aug 2018

Joseph R.

Jim is a great host! He welcomed us and showed us around, but also gave us privacy during our stay and it was very easy to contact him with questions any time. The home is beautiful, clean and stocked with everything you need for a comfortable stay, the new bed was great, so comfortable! We will definitely be staying here again.

Submitted 14 Aug 2018

Owner's Response:

There aren't enough families today like this one still is....

close, warm, fun-loving. They took care of the place same

as though it were their own and truly enjoyed doing absolutely

everything here from grilling on the patio overlooking the river

to having watergun wars and leaving the place ace clean

when they left. They have promised to come back again

and we're holding them to it....they're the kind we like to

have guest after guest after guest. =)

1 - 6 of 8

Location

Austin, TX, USA

You drive through an older, somewhat unkept Mobile Home Park to get to the cabin at Penny River. It's not in the park but on the periphery surrounded by 100% open spaces, the Colorado River, folks kyaking and canoeing up and down the river and plentiful wildlife. Nights under the stars here are only upstaged by nights under a full moon. The 50' x 100' backyard guarantees a wide open sky above you. I've spent many a night crashed out on the lawn in a sleeping bag; it's that beautiful and that serene. But so much for Penny River. You're wanting to know all about the amazing Austin you keep hearing about so let me get right to it...

First and foremost, there is nothing on the above list of ATTRACTIONS, LEISURE ACTIVITIES or SPORTS & ADVENTURE that doesn't exist in Austin -- and in numbers. Your best bet once in town is 1) Hit a quaint sidewalk cafe or bar along the the river of famous 6th Street and strike up a few conversations. Ask. It WILL be given to you and in plenty of detail. Folks here are quick to tell you where they've been, what they've done and what they've enjoyed the most. Utlimately, Austin is just another ridiculously friendly Texas town.

But in case that leaves you wondering, the town cry "Keep Austin Weird" wasn't coined for nothing: you're just as likely to find Willie Nelson in concert on one corner downtown and Pavrotti in concert on the other. No greater diversity exists anywhere in the country, not even in the Big Apple. What do you WANT? Broadway shows? Equestrian meets? Rodeos? Concerts? Kyaking down the beaitufl Colorao? BBQs? Carnivals? SXSW Music Festival? You'll find the majority of them around the next corner and on most days of the week or weekend. But don't stay too long, you could find yourself uprooted from your own digs and setting down new roots in Austin if you hang too long. It's how most of us got here.

The least expected thing about this city is how friendly drivers are. Never seen anything like it. I've had the great fortune to be stationed in Rome, England, Valencia, Mexico City and other big cities and I can't get over what amazingly polite drivers crowd our streets. A simple flash of the blinker is enough to swich lanes even in heavily congested traffic; pulling out of any parking lot after shopping is no big deal...the vast majority of drivers will let you pull right into the queue. Try to make sense of that given the 50 thousand wild and crazy students spread out everywhere and its more than a very odd fact.

One thing I would definitely suggest is that on your last day you do a "Wind Down" of at least several hours walking at beautiful Zilker Botanical Gardens. What a show! It will put you on the road back home as a happy, calm and very satisfied camper. There's nothing else to say except, Happy Trails! You'll never forget Austin.